While not all spiders are dangerous to humans, why take the chance? Here at Anti-Pesto Bug Killers, we have over 25 years of experience exterminating spiders in the Tampa Bay area. We’ve compiled a list of the most common spiders in our area and how to prevent them in your home this fall! We also have a blog about how to get rid of spiders if you notice them in your home.
Common Spiders in Florida
Not all spiders are as cute and friendly as the ones we learn about in nursery rhymes. Spiders that make their way into your home are in the search of the perfect habitat and prefer to stay put — unless disturbed. When feeling threatened or provoked, spiders can attack. This can become especially dangerous if the type of spider in your home is poisonous! Here in Florida, we are home to 20+ species of spiders.
The most common spiders in Florida are:
- Black Widow
- Brown Recluse
- Daddy Long Leg
- Domestic House Spider
- Jumping Spider
- Black Widow
The widow spiders are not just unique to Florida but have a global presence. They are around 8-15mm in body length and predominantly black with red markings. As nocturnal beings, they tend to shy away from humans resting in piles wood, outdoor furniture, basements, etc. If bitten, immediate medical attention is necessary. If you suspect you have a black widow on your property, call a professional exterminator like Anti-Pesto immediately.
Brown Recluse
These spiders are also extremely poisonous. They are yellow to dark brown in color with a body ⅓-½ inch long. Their dark brown violin shape marking is what separates them from others. They can be found outside, under rocks, and in debris — but also inside in closets. Be careful extending your hand in something that has been in storage. Their venom is poisonous and if they bite you, you will likely need medical attention.
Daddy Long Legs
Named for their legs, these spiders have notoriously long legs and are light brown or gray in color. They prefer damp places such as basements, crawl-spaces, sinks, and garages. Compared to Black Widow and Brown Recluse, Daddy Long Legs aren’t nearly as dangerous!
Domestic House Spider
These guys are dark orange or brown, with a pale marking on their breastplates. They also are characterized by the V-shaped pattern that runs lengthwise across the top of their body. Typically they can be hard to catch and run quickly away during an encounter, but if threatened, they can bite.
Jumping Spider
These spiders have certainly earned their name! Coming in a variety of colors and sizes, they can be most easily recognized by their jumping behavior and eight eyes. They prefer to hide in the cracks of the floor, under furniture, between books, etc. They can jump, but you should know, they can also bite!
Venomous Spiders in Florida
There are many spiders in Florida but not all of them are dangerous. There are only two main types of dangerous spiders in Florida.
The venomous spiders in Florida are:
- Recluse Spiders
- Widow Spiders
- Recluse Spiders
The recluse spider is one of the venomous types of spiders in Florida and is known for its dangerous bite. Their bites often times cause Loxoscelism which is characterized by local necrosis of tissues. Although they’re only venomous, and not poisonous, you may experience symptoms similar to poisoning if bitten by this spider. There are many different types of recluse spiders but most commonly found in Florida are the brown recluse, Chilean recluse, and Mediterranean recluse.
Widow Spiders
Widow spiders are also among the venomous types of spiders in Florida and are most commonly known for the red or orange hourglass shape on their abdomen. The venom of widow spider bites affects the nervous system and may cause symptoms of burning, swelling, and severe pain. The most notable widow spider is the black widow, but there are a few others that can be found in Florida, including the southern black widow, northern black widow, brown widow, and red widow.
Get a Free Spider Control Quote!
Five Tips for Spider Prevention
You want your home to look inviting– but not to spiders! Spiders will enter your home if they see it as a suitable shelter or food source.
Here’s how to prevent spiders:
1. Change Exterior Lighting
Insects are attracted to white lights, so consider changing your lights to yellow or alternative lighting. We promise you’ll love it when the insects don’t.
2. Thoroughly Inspect Screens
Eliminate any entryway possible by routinely checking screens for holes and rips to reduce unexpected guests.
3. Utilize Vents and Dehumidifiers
Spiders and other insects are attracted to damp and humid environments. Air out basements and storage areas as much as possible to ensure that if a spider enters, it won’t be comfortable enough to stay.
4. Eliminate Clutter
Reduce clutter around the home’s interior as well as exterior reducing the spots that spiders could hide. Don’t leave boxes or piles of things lying around– spiders will see these as hiding places!
5. Monitor Common Hiding Spots
Know of some dark and gloomy places that can be attractive to spiders? Regularly check these places to make sure nothing takes refuge. Early identification can prevent bigger problems down the line! Think areas like basements, closets, attics, and more.
Let the Professionals Help!
We know it can be a time-consuming, difficult, and dangerous task trying to control spiders in your home, and that’s why we’re here to help! Here at Anti-Pesto, we have decades of experiencing protecting homes just like yours from an array of dangerous spiders. With family-friendly pest control treatments and recurring services on a quarterly basis, we can ensure your home is spider-free for the long haul.
This blog was written by Howard Bright, Owner of Anti-Pesto Bug Killers
